Team Some Guys vs. Team Some Guys
Just in time for this weekend’s Super Bowl, retro-publisher Hamster has re-released that ground-break football titleTecmo Bowlon PS4 and Nintendo Switch – though it should be noted that this is the original arcade version, and not the legendary NES port.
Originally released in 1987, where it blew arcade-goers away with its beefy dual-screen cabinet and four-player support,Tecmo Bowlwas warmly received as a great digital adaptation of America’s Favourite Pastime… Or is that Baseball?.. Aah, who cares? Tecmo Bowl featuring two teams of nameless jabronis battling it out on the gridiron, where Offense and Defense must out-think their opponent’s play choices to score a Home Run. Whatever.
Here’s a video ofTecmo Bowlin action, from YouTuberAmyofauir.
The famous NES port, that came along in 1989, had downgraded visuals and less players on the field, but also struck a deal with the NFLPA, allowing for the appearance of real NFL teams and stars, such as Joe Montana, Bo Jackson, Lawrence Taylor, and Walter Payton. Again, this licence did not apply to the original arcade release, hence the fictitious “Bulldogs” and “Wildcats.” In fact, even the Switch port ofTecmo BowlNES is missing these names, as the licence expired many years ago.
Tecmo Bowlis available to download on PS4 in Japan and Nintendo Switch worldwide, priced around $8.
